In brief: Fort Bliss celebrates volunteers

Fort Bliss recently celebrated individuals and groups who give back to both the installation and the greater El Paso community through their volunteer efforts.

The annual Fort Bliss Volunteer Recognition Ceremony and Dinner was held April 11 at the Centennial Club. Nearly 400 people attended and more than 50 awards were given out to individuals, units and volunteer organizations, said Tephanie Hopper, Fort Bliss Army Volunteer Corps manager.

The event was held in conjunction with National Volunteer Week. The goal was to recognize volunteers for their contributions to the community, encourage them to continue their good work and encourage others to get involved, Hopper said.

Three spouses were given the Fort Bliss Volunteer of Excellence award. These winners were Debra Santiago with 1st Brigade Combat Team; Kimberly Hobgood with 4th Brigade Combat Team; and Eloisa Ortega, who worked with Operation Santa Claus.

The winners of the top Fort Bliss Unit/Volunteer Agency of the Year awards were William Beaumont Army Medical Center, the Combat Aviation Brigade, 2nd Brigade Combat Team and Religious Activities.

Fort Bliss Army Volunteer Corps has about 5,000 registered volunteers. You don't need to be affiliated with the military to participate.

MUD CHALLENGE >> The Old Ironsides Mud Challenge will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Air Assault Obstacle Course and Rappel Tower at Abernathy Park at Jeb Stuart and Pershing roads. The first 500 runners will get a t-shirt. The race is open to youth and adults, but those who are younger than 18 must compete with a parent or guardian. On-site race-day registration will be from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. There is an additional $10 charge for registering on the day of the race for all runners. Information: 744-5790.

NIGHTTIME LASER TAG >> Biggs Park, 11388 Sergeant Major Blvd., will have nighttime laser tag for all ages starting at 8 tonight and again at the same time on May 2, June 6 and June 27. The cost is $10 per person per night and includes equipment rental. Information: 744-1532.

CHOREOGRAPHED MEAL >> The Pershing Pub, 243 Club Road, will host an evening of fine dining along with choreographed dance instruction from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday. The event costs $40 per couple or $25 per individual. If you want to come for the dance instruction only, the cost is $10. You can sign up today or at the door on Saturday. Information: 568-2983.

MILITARY WIDOWS MEETING >> The Society of Military Widows, Desert Sun Chapter 30, will have a luncheon meeting at 12:30 p.m. Thursday at the Centennial Club, 11199 Sergeant Major Blvd. The program will be a social hour and celebration of the chapter's 24th birthday. Membership is open to military widows with a valid military ID card. Information: 755-5471.

MOTHER'S DAY BRUNCH >> The Centennial Club will have a Mother's Day brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 11. The cost is $20.95 for adults, $10.50 for children age 5 to 10 and children age 4 and younger are free. Reservations are required. Information: 744-1171.